Gorillas Rwanda

After breakfast, you will set out on a privately guided city tour of Kigali. Your journey begins with a look at the city’s origins, from its first modern buildings to the vibrant neighbourhoods shaping Rwanda’s future. A highlight of the day is a moving visit to the Genocide Memorial, the resting place of over 250,000 victims of the 1994 tragedy. Both a place of remembrance and education, it reflects not only Rwanda’s painful past but also its remarkable resilience and progress.  Later, we travel north to the foothills of the Virunga Massif and settle into your lodge near Volcanoes National Park.

Today brings one of the most extraordinary wildlife encounters on earth – tracking the endangered mountain gorillas of Rwanda. You will report to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in the early morning for a briefing by your lead guide, who will outline trekking procedures and allocate you to a gorilla family group suited to your fitness level.  Your trek begins with a drive up the forested slopes to the starting point before setting off on foot in search of these remarkable primates. The duration of the trek varies, lasting anywhere from two hours to a full day, depending on the gorillas’ movements. Once located, you will be granted the rare privilege of spending up to one hour in their presence, observing their behaviour and daily interactions – a truly humbling and unforgettable experience.  Please note: The gorilla trekking experience requires a pre-purchased permit, subject to availability at the time of booking, at a cost of USD 1,500 per person, per trek. This permit fee is not included in your tour price and must be secured at the time of booking your safari. Minimum age: 15 years.

This morning, continue your Rwandan journey as you travel east to Akagera National Park, a region of sweeping savannah, rolling hills, and glittering lakes. On arrival, settle into your lodge, perched high on a hilltop with commanding views over the park.  You can unwind at the inviting pool deck or enjoy drinks at the bar, with views stretching across Lake Ihema and Lake Shikani. Just a short drive from the lake itself, the lodge is ideally positioned for boat excursions and game drives into Akagera’s unique wilderness.

Over the next two days, immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only Big Five reserve and a sanctuary of remarkable biodiversity. The park’s landscape is a striking contrast to the country’s famed misty mountains, with rolling savannah plains, woodlands, and shimmering lakes creating a picture-perfect setting for safari adventures. You will set out on exhilarating game drives in search of elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, and rhino, alongside an impressive variety of plains game and over 500 species of birds. Between drives, enjoy the serenity of a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, where pods of hippo and basking crocodiles share the waters with abundant birdlife, from African fish eagles to dazzling kingfishers.  Evenings invite relaxation back at your lodge,  perhaps sipping a sundowner as the sky turns golden over the savannah, followed by dinner with uninterrupted views across the wilderness.

After breakfast, bid farewell to Akagera’s sweeping landscapes as you journey back to Kigali. On arrival, you will be transferred to the airport in time for your onward travels. Please ensure your international flight is scheduled for the evening to allow for a comfortable transfer.